The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band – The Joker (On A Trip Thru The Jungle)

So, last week I mentioned that I am about to undertake another U.S. Tour. Unfortunately you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer for the poster as I am still finalising some of the dates. However one gig that I can confirm is that I will be joining Miles Tackett (he of Breakestra fame) and Clifton James Weaver III at their week L.A. club, Funky Sole on Saturday 24 September.

Those of you who live in L.A. will probably be aware of the club and it’s reputation as one of the best funk & soul nights anywhere in the world. I’m delighted to be joining the guys and following in the footsteps of a number of heavy hitters behind the decks including Dj Shadow, Cut Chemist, DJ Nu-Mark, Keb Darge, Greg Belson, Skeme Richards & Keith Shocklee.

With that in mind I thought it only appropriate to bring you a track by a group that many consider to be the best funk outfit to come from Los Angeles – The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.

If you’re on this blog then you’ll unquestionably know the iconic Express Yourself that has featured on many compilations & tv commercials, not to mention how often it has been sampled – most famously on N.W.A’s Express Yourself.

Today’s selection is a little less well-known, but still a quality piece of instrumental groove in its own right. The Joker was released in 1974 in what proved to be the final 45 that the band cut. If you think of Booker T & The Mgs being a touch funkier, you’ll get the vibe of what we got going on here.